Report: Luke Rockhold Still Wants to Beat Michael Bisping’s “Ass”, But Believes Tim Kennedy Will Hand Him a Loss First

Since Michael Bisping claimed publicly in 2012 that he bested Luke Rockhold in sparring, the latter has been gunning for a bout with the middleweight contender. Although both men are scheduled for upcoming fights, Rockhold has relayed, once again, that Bisping remains in his sights.

Rockhold, who is set to fight Tim Boetsch at UFC 172 on April 26th, recently told MMA Junkie.com Radio that “I still want Bisping, of course”, due to the latter’s aforementioned claims.

Bisping, however, is set to face Tim Kennedy at the TUF Nations Finale on April 16th. Here is some of what Rockhold had to say about the upcoming match-up:

“I want Bisping to win because I want to beat his ass, but Kennedy is just too tenacious. He’s going to stick to his game plan. He’s going to wrestle him and take him down. Bisping’s tough enough to where I think he can get up and not make it a dominant fight, but I think Kennedy’s tenaciousness will get to him. I think it will be a boring fight, but I think Kennedy will come out with the decision.”

Rockhold (11-2) is coming off a first round, stoppage win over Costas Philippou at UFC FN 35 last month, after he was taken out by Vitor Belfort last May.

Bisping (24-5) hasn’t fought since last April, when he earned a technical decision win over Alan Belcher at UFC 159. Prior to that, the contender was also stopped by Belfort, which took place in January, 2013.